Chili Cook-off for Community Center

Get ready for the Bridge Street Merchant’s Chili Challenge to be held at the Bridge Street Market, Sunday, December 7th located at 107 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Any area home cook or restaurant is urged to enter again this year. While the bragging rights are priceless, the first place winner will also get a $100 Publix gift card. For a mere $8 donation, market-goers will be able to taste all chili entries. Proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Community Center.

Chili tasting and voting will happen 11 am- 1:30 pm, with regular market hours being 10 am – 3 pm. There is not charge for entering a chili into the contest. More information and the required advance entry form are available at www.bridgestreetmerchants.com. Live entertainment will be provided by the Tangled Mangos, a reggae/funk/jam band based in Bradenton Beach.

There are two more food challenges scheduled at the Bridge Street Market early next year, before area restaurants get too busy to participate. Home chefs and pros alike should save the dates and hone recipes now for the Mac & Cheese Challenge to be held Sunday, January 4th benefiting Feeding Empty Little Tummies and the Chowder Challenge (not just clam) to be held February 1st benefiting Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue, Inc.

Consider taking the free island trolley right to Bridge Street. Car parking options include: the city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro, up and down Bridge Street including by the city pier, City Hall (permissible on Sundays) and along the beach just south of Bridge Street. For more information on the Bridge Street Merchants, or vendor space at the Market contact Market Manager, Melissa Enders, at melissaenders76@gmail.com or (215) 906-0668.